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Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Network Analysis of the Default Mode Network Using Functional Connectivity MRI in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Published on: August 5, 2014
Impact of Brain Functional Network Properties on Intelligence in Children and Adolescents with Focal Epilepsy: A
Liu Songjiang1, Zhang Tijiang2, Liu Heng2
1Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and molecular imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China.
Insights
Children with focal epilepsy show altered brain network organization, particularly in the left precentral gyrus, which is linked to intellectual function. This network reorganization may positively influence intelligence in pediatric epilepsy patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common pediatric neurological disorder.
- Cognitive and intellectual impairments are frequent comorbidities in children with epilepsy.
- Understanding the neural basis of these deficits is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate functional network reorganization in children and adolescents with focal epilepsy (CAFE).
- To analyze the relationship between network reorganization and intellectual deficits in CAFE.
- To elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms linking epilepsy and cognitive impairments.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 54 CAFE (aged 6-16) and 42 healthy controls.
- Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- Applied graph theory analysis to functional networks and conducted intelligence testing (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Chinese revision).
Main Results:
- CAFE exhibited decreased local efficiency and clustering coefficients compared to controls.
- The left precentral gyrus (LPG) showed increased degree centrality, nodal efficiency, and decreased shortest path length.
- LPG functional connectivity alterations were observed with various brain regions, correlating with intellectual measures (VIQ, performance IQ, full-scale IQ).
Conclusions:
- The middle LPG in CAFE undergoes significant network reorganization.
- This reorganization appears to positively influence intellectual function in children and adolescents with focal epilepsy.
- Altered local efficiency in functional networks significantly impacts intelligence in this population.
Rationale And Objective:
Epilepsy is a common pediatric disease that often leads to cognitive and intellectual impairments. Here, we explore the reorganized functional networks in children and adolescents with focal epilepsy (CAFE) and analyze the relationship between network reorganization and intellectual deficits to reveal the underlying link between them.
Materials And Methods:
Fifty-four CAFE (6-16 years old; right-handed) and 42 well-matched healthy controls were recruited. Subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and functional networks were analyzed by graph analysis. Intelligence testing (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Chinese revision) included measures for verbal IQ (VIQ), performance IQ, and full-scale IQ.
Results:
(1) In the CAFE compared with the healthy controls, (a) the local efficiency, clustering coefficient and standardized clustering coefficient were significantly decreased (p < 0.05); (b) the degree centrality and nodal efficiency of the left precentral gyrus (LPG) were significantly increased (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction), and the nodal shortest path length was significantly decreased (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction); and (c) functional connectivity of the LPG with the bilateral inferior frontal ventral gyrus, right lateral superior occipital gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, bilateral superior parietal lobule, right anterior prefrontal cortex, and bilateral cerebellum was enhanced (p < 0.05,GRF correction), while functional connectivity with the bilateral superior temporal gyrus was decreased (p < 0.05, GRF correction). (2) The nodal shortest path length of the LPG in CAFE was associated with full-scale IQ, performance IQ, and VIQ, and local efficiency was associated with VIQ.
Conclusion:
Our results showed that the middle LPG in CAFE undergoes network reorganization that positively influences intelligence. Differences in local efficiency of functional networks in children and early adolescents have a significant effect on intelligence.
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